Strike: NLC Declares Total Shutdown; Asks Banks, Schools, Others To Join

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has directed all unions and
civil society to embark on the warning strike which is starting
from midnight, September 26, 2018.

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, who gave the directive in Abuja
said the decision was as a result of the refusal of the Federal
Government to reconvene the Tripartite Committee on a new National
Minimum Wage.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in November 2017, inaugurated a
tripartite committee with the view of negotiating a new national
minimum wage for the country.

The government assured workers that the committee, which started
sitting in March 2018 will conclude its findings by the end of the
month.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had also
assured the workers of a new wage by the end of the third quarter
but later announced that the committee is yet to finalise.

He stated that the government needed more time to consult before
arriving at a figure and later adjourned meetings.

The labour union upon the development accused the government of
delaying the process and issued a two-week ultimatum which elapses
today.

The organised labour is alleging that its request to reconvene a
tripartite committee on the national minimum wage for workers was
not met, and the leaders have cautioned the Federal Government
against foot-dragging on the new minimum wage.

NLC President, however, states that the warning strike will
remain in force until further directives are conveyed.

With regards to the state government insisting that some of the
states cannot pay the proposed new minimum wage, he said the new
minimum wage is constitutional and state governments should be
compelled to pay.

The leadership of labour is expected to meet with the Minister
of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige at 1 pm today.